Federal Health Care Fraud Indictments in SDFL: A Comprehensive Analysis (2024–2025)
From January 2024 through 2025, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida (SDFL) have unsealed numerous criminal indictments targeting health care fraud schemes. SDFL has been a focal point of nationwide crackdowns, with dozens of defendants charged as part of Department of Justice enforcement actions in 2024 and 2025. These cases span a variety of fraud types – from telemedicine-linked durable medical equipment scams and COVID-19 testing fraud, to illegal kickback rings and sober home scams.
If you're a health care provider, clinic owner, or medical professional in South Florida, these indictments represent more than enforcement statistics—they're a blueprint of what federal prosecutors are targeting right now. Understanding these patterns isn't just academic; it's essential for recognizing when you might be under investigation and mounting an effective defense.
At AMC Defense Law, we have extensive experience defending health care providers, clinic owners, and medical professionals against federal fraud charges in the Southern District of Florida. Led by Aaron M. Cohen, our team understands the complexity of these cases and the aggressive tactics federal prosecutors employ. We don't wait for charges—we build preemptive defenses during the investigation phase.
Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida have made health care fraud enforcement a top priority, with over 75 individuals charged since 2024 in schemes involving over $308 million in fraudulent claims.
The Scope of Federal Health Care Fraud Enforcement
The Southern District of Florida has emerged as a focal point for federal health care fraud enforcement nationwide. From January 2024 through mid-2025, over 75 individuals have been criminally charged in SDFL federal court for health fraud-related offenses as part of coordinated nationwide sweeps coordinated by the Department of Justice.
The schemes prosecuted range from familiar patterns like durable medical equipment (DME) supply scams and pharmacy kickbacks to emerging trends like pandemic-related fraud and genetic testing abuse. Professionals charged include doctors, clinic owners, laboratory executives, telemarketing company operators, and patient recruiters.
The alleged dollar losses in SDFL cases are staggering. Cases in the 2024 national takedown alone involved over $308 million in fraudulent claims according to the Department of Justice. The 2025 takedown was the largest ever, with South Florida featuring prominently—37 defendants were charged in June 2025 alone.
Telemedicine and DME Fraud Schemes
South Florida continues to see large DME fraud rings exploiting telemedicine partnerships. Federal prosecutors have identified a clear pattern: fraudulent durable medical equipment suppliers partner with telemedicine or "tele-doc" services to obtain bogus orders for costly orthopedic braces and medical equipment, then bill Medicare for equipment either not needed or not provided.
The "Brace Yourself" Scheme
As part of a June 2025 takedown, SDFL prosecutors charged two individuals behind a company called "Brace Yourself" in an $11.4 million Medicare fraud scheme involving orthotic braces. According to the indictment:
- They paid marketing firms for referrals
- Used telemedicine doctors to prescribe medically unnecessary DME for patients never actually examined
- Billed Medicare over $11 million (of which approximately $3.7 million was paid out)
- In some instances, marketers generated fake doctor's orders using physicians' e-signatures without permission
This case illustrates how telemedicine partnerships can be exploited to create the appearance of legitimate medical necessity while generating fraudulent billings.
Hidden Ownership and Fraudulent Prescriptions
Another SDFL case charged in June 2025 involved a DME company owner who:
- Hid his ownership interest in the company
- Enlisted telemedicine doctors to approve unnecessary brace prescriptions
- Resulted in roughly $381,000 in fraudulent Medicare reimbursements over just a few months
Telemedicine DME fraud cases often hinge on proving knowledge of fraudulent prescriptions and intent to defraud. Early intervention allows us to challenge the government's evidence, demonstrate legitimate business purposes, and contest allegations of fraudulent intent. We examine the telemedicine partnerships, physician relationships, and billing practices to build defenses that challenge the government's narrative.
If you operate a DME company or work with telemedicine providers, ensure all prescriptions are legitimate, patients are actually examined, and equipment is medically necessary. Maintain detailed records of all partnerships, referrals, and prescriptions. The government looks for patterns of unnecessary prescriptions and hidden ownership structures.
$36 Million COVID-19 Testing Fraud Indictment
In April 2024, a major COVID-19 testing fraud indictment was unsealed in SDFL targeting three laboratory owners for a $36 million scheme involving Innovative Genomics, an independent lab.
The Scheme Details
The defendants allegedly:
- Billed Medicare and the HHS COVID-19 Uninsured Program for thousands of unnecessary, ineligible COVID-19 tests
- Over the course of 2019 to 2023, submitted false claims for tests that were not medically necessary or not even performed
- Used the names of patients who did not need testing
- Paid illegal kickbacks to patient recruiters in exchange for referrals of samples for COVID-19 testing
- Caused claims to be billed to the federal Uninsured Program for patients who actually had insurance—effectively double-billing government benefits
The COVID-19 Uninsured Program was created to cover testing costs for uninsured individuals during the pandemic. Billing this program for insured patients constitutes fraud, as does billing for tests that were never performed or medically unnecessary.
"This coordinated scheme—coming in the wake of the pandemic—highlights how opportunists tried to exploit emergency public-health programs. Federal prosecutors have made pandemic-related fraud a top enforcement priority."— U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida
(Indictment unsealed April 24, 2024)
Illegal Kickbacks for Patient Referrals
Several South Florida health care operators were indicted for conspiring to pay kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals or utilization. These schemes violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits paying or receiving anything of value in exchange for referrals of services reimbursable by federal health care programs.
Clinic Kickback Schemes
In June 2024, SDFL prosecutors charged the administrator of a Miami-area medical clinic for paying patients to attend her clinic, which enabled the clinic to falsely bill Medicaid for services. According to charging documents, the clinic literally paid cash kickbacks to patients (often low-income or on Medicaid) as a bounty for showing up, so the clinic could submit fraudulent claims for treatments or tests.
In a related Hialeah case, the owner of another clinic was indicted for a similar conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks to patients and fabricate claims to Medicaid. These schemes were essentially patient-brokering operations—clinics bribing patients to generate billings.
The Anti-Kickback Statute is broad and prohibits any form of remuneration in exchange for referrals. This includes cash payments, discounts, free services, or anything of value. Even if patients receive legitimate services, paying them to show up can violate the statute if the purpose is to generate billable services.
Pharmacy Kickback Schemes
The crackdown extended to pharmacy kickbacks as well. One indictment charged a Florida pharmacy marketing representative with receiving bribes in exchange for steering expensive prescription referrals, contributing to millions in false claims for pain creams and other drugs. These kickback-fueled frauds often involved medically unnecessary services or prescriptions.
Anti-Kickback Statute cases require proof that payments were made specifically to induce referrals. We challenge the government's evidence by demonstrating legitimate business purposes, showing that payments were for actual services rendered, and contesting the element of intent. Many legitimate business arrangements can appear suspicious—we differentiate between lawful arrangements and illegal kickbacks.
(Indictments primarily unsealed June 27, 2024 as part of a national sweep)
Genetic Testing Fraud via Telemarketing
Exploiting seniors' curiosity about DNA testing became another fraud frontier. In late June 2025, SDFL announced charges against multiple individuals in a genetic testing fraud ring involving deceptive telemarketing operations.
The Telemarketing Scheme
In one case, a lab owner and co-conspirators ran deceptive telemarketing call centers to induce Medicare beneficiaries to agree to genetic tests (e.g., DNA cancer screening) they didn't need. The scheme involved:
- Telemarketers cold-calling seniors with misleading information
- "Doctor chasing"—faxing pre-filled test order forms to physicians to secure signatures under false pretenses
- One indictment alleges this lab owner billed Medicare about $52 million for unnecessary genetic tests, of which roughly $36 million was actually paid out before the scheme was stopped
Related South Florida Case
In a related South Florida case, a call center owner was charged with selling bogus doctor's orders for genetic tests to laboratories, resulting in approximately $62 million in false Medicare claims (with $44 million paid). These genetic testing frauds often involved kickbacks at multiple levels:
- Call centers paid to recruit beneficiaries
- Doctors or telemedicine physicians paid to rubber-stamp test orders
- Labs billing Medicare for tests that patients often never discussed with their real doctors
The DOJ has made genetic testing fraud a top enforcement priority. These schemes exploit Medicare beneficiaries' legitimate interest in preventive health screening while generating fraudulent billings. Federal prosecutors are aggressively targeting all levels of these schemes—from call centers to laboratories.
(Most of these charges were announced June 30, 2025 in the DOJ's 2025 nationwide takedown.)
Sober Home and Addiction Treatment Fraud
South Florida's addiction treatment industry—already notorious from past cases—saw a fresh indictment in 2024 targeting substance abuse treatment fraud.
The Florida Life Recovery Scheme
In June 2024, a federal grand jury indicted the owner of a Broward County addiction recovery clinic for a $19.2 million sober home fraud scheme. The defendant, who owned Florida Life Recovery and Rehabilitation LLC, purported to offer outpatient substance abuse treatment and housing for people in recovery.
But as alleged in the indictment, this was largely a sham "patient brokering" operation:
- The clinic paid recruiters and provided free or cheap housing in "sober homes" to entice individuals to sign up
- Billed private insurers for therapy sessions and drug tests that never occurred or were not medically necessary
- Submitted false claims for extensive therapy and excessive, medically needless urine drug tests, all to maximize insurance reimbursement
- Many patients did not receive the billed treatments
- Some patients were even allowed to continue substance use—indicating the scheme prioritized insurance billing over actual care
COVID-Relief Loan Fraud
Notably, the indictment also revealed the clinic owner had fraudulently obtained COVID-relief loans (PPP/EIDL) while the health care fraud was ongoing. This case, part of the mid-2024 enforcement action, shines light on how some bad actors exploited the opioid crisis by turning vulnerable patients into profit centers.
Patient brokering in addiction treatment involves recruiting patients (often through kickbacks or free housing) solely to generate billable services, regardless of medical necessity. These schemes violate both health care fraud statutes and patient brokering laws, which prohibit paying for patient referrals in substance abuse treatment settings.
(Indictment returned June 2024)
Outlook: Ongoing Enforcement in South Florida
These indictments reflect an aggressive effort by the Justice Department and SDFL U.S. Attorney's Office to root out health care fraud in all forms. Federal authorities have signaled continued vigilance, and South Florida remains on the front lines of health care fraud enforcement.
Enforcement Trends
The schemes prosecuted span:
- Familiar patterns: DME supply scams, home health and pharmacy kickbacks
- Emerging trends: Pandemic-related fraud and genetic testing abuse
- Professional targets: Doctors, clinic owners, laboratory executives, telemarketing company operators, and patient recruiters
The Numbers
- Over 75 individuals criminally charged in SDFL since 2024
- Over $308 million in fraudulent claims in 2024 cases alone
- 37 defendants charged in June 2025 takedown
- Largest ever nationwide takedown in 2025
The aggressive enforcement in SDFL means health care providers and medical professionals face increased scrutiny. If you're under investigation, early intervention is critical. We engage during the investigation phase to challenge evidence gathering, protect your rights, negotiate with prosecutors before charges are filed, and build defenses that can prevent indictment entirely.
Moving Forward
Federal authorities have made it clear: those who try to steal from Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurers—whether via telemedicine gimmicks, pandemic funds, or kickback-fueled clinics—will face prosecution. Each indictment is a warning that federal prosecutors are targeting any scheme that exploits patients or pads bills to federal programs.
If you operate a health care business in South Florida, ensure compliance with all federal health care program requirements. Document all services, maintain proper medical necessity determinations, avoid any arrangements that could be construed as kickbacks, and retain experienced federal criminal defense counsel if you suspect you're under investigation.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Federal health care fraud investigations are complex and resource-intensive. Prosecutors build cases over months or years, gathering evidence through subpoenas, witness interviews, and financial analysis. When charges are filed, the government has typically amassed substantial evidence.
Every day you wait is a day the government builds its case. Federal agents are:
- Gathering financial records and billing data
- Interviewing witnesses and co-conspirators
- Analyzing telemedicine partnerships and referral relationships
- Building evidence of fraudulent intent
Early intervention allows us to:
- Challenge evidence gathering before it's completed
- Protect your rights from the start
- Negotiate with prosecutors before charges are filed
- Build defenses that can prevent indictment
- Position you for the best possible outcome
"Federal health care fraud cases in South Florida are among the most complex federal prosecutions. With over 75 individuals charged since 2024, federal prosecutors are clearly making this a priority. Early intervention, aggressive defense strategy, and deep understanding of health care fraud statutes are essential for achieving favorable outcomes."— Aaron M. Cohen, Principal Attorney
If You're Under Investigation, Call Us Now
If you're a health care provider, clinic owner, or medical professional in South Florida facing federal investigation or charges, your first move is your most important. Federal prosecutors have made health care fraud enforcement a top priority, and the cases detailed here represent just a fraction of ongoing investigations.
Call AMC Defense Law immediately. You need a federal criminal defense attorney with deep experience in health care fraud cases, elite trial skill, and zero fear of federal prosecutors. We understand the complexity of these cases, the aggressive tactics prosecutors employ, and how to build defenses that protect your rights and your future.
If you or your loved ones have been arrested or are under investigation for federal health care fraud, call Aaron M. Cohen, 24 hours a day to get help.
Sources
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U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida – Health Care Fraud Press Releases
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl -
Department of Justice – Health Care Fraud Enforcement
https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit -
18 U.S.C. § 1347 – Health Care Fraud
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1347 -
Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1320a-7b -
Department of Health and Human Services – COVID-19 Uninsured Program
https://www.hrsa.gov/coviduninsuredclaim
Aaron M. Cohen
Aaron M. Cohen has been diligently representing clients in both state and federal cases nationwide for 30 years. His extensive experience spans complex federal investigations, white-collar defense, and serious state felonies.
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